Philadelphia Union commit to Makhanya

Philadelphia Union Defender Olwethu Makhanya (Credit Image: © Kyle Rodden/Cal Sport Media)

Thursday Nov 27, 2025. 13:00

Philadelphia Union has exercised its option to extend South African Olwethu Makhanya’s contract by a further two years.

The announcement was made by the club on Wednesday, following its 1-0 conference semi-finals loss to New York City on Monday.

The exercised option will keep the defender at the club for the 2026 and 2027 MLS seasons.

The 21-year-old has impressed in his first season with Philadelphia Union’s first team. He was an integral member of the club’s Supporter’s Shield winning season, appearing in 29 of the club’s 34 regular season games, starting 23 of those fixtures. The youngster helped his side secure top spot in the Eastern Conference and the best record in the league.

Philadelphia Union head coach and former Bafana Bafana international Bradley Carnell praised Makhanya’s performances throughout the season, and believes the defender will reach new heights in the years to come.

“Olwethu had a standout year in his first full MLS season. Proving himself to be an important piece of our backline, he has demonstrated maturity, consistency, and leadership at just 21 years old,” said Carnell.

“His rapid development is a clear indication of how high his ceiling can be, and we believe he will continue to develop and make a significant impact going forward with the club.”

The defender joined the MLS side from Stellenbosch in July 2023 after six months in the South African top flight and spent two seasons playing for Union II, reaching the MLS NEXT Pro Cup in his time with the development team.

Makhanya was not named in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations but will be fighting to prove his worth ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.

By Nic Gleeson